The Tube’s Thought of the Day
Sorry Martin but the tube’s ‘Thought of the Days’ is fantastically weird. For those who haven’t seen them, as you pass through the ticket (oyster) gates at some tube stations you will see a white board (as above) with a thought of the day. Quite often it’s a quote from a notable thinker. The photo above was taken at Oval station which has a bit of a ‘Thought of the day’ reputation.
In my ignorance and snobbery I always thought people who worked in public transport were…hmm..how do I say this without getting a thousand negative comments? On another tac, I didn’t think people who worked at tube stations would put notes like this on signs (that are usually reserved for service updates). I love that someone at Oval tube wants to express themselves via quotes of notable others. Getting the tube can be such a tiresome experience but coming across these glimpses of insight help you take a step back from your mindless obsession with getting a seat or getting to the right tube exit. They give London living some perspective. Hats off to the TFL.
I think it’s an awesome idea, but then public transport in London has Sydney beat all kinds of ways. When I was over there last year they had ads on the trains put up by the city with nothing but a famous, classic English poem… Every time I jumped on the tube I would scour the ads looking for them – it makes such a difference to the oft-unpleasant public transport experience!!!!
Hi I work at oval, and this is one of my works, people take photos and tell me there going to put them on the net, so I’m shocked by how many people love it, it’s been 10 years now that this has been happening at oval and i’m glad to have taken over and putting up the thought of the day.
I’m glad you like it, we are trying to get a permanent board
Hi Glen, thanks for your comment. Oval should definitely get a permanent board for all the thoughts. You should also consider keeping a record of them and publishing a book! Keep up the good work.
Peter
Hi just to let you know we have a permanent board, and our thoughts of the day are now on facebook under oval tube station